MANILA, Philippines—For many Filipinos, the holiday season is a special time for families to reunite and celebrate, regardless of distance. However, amidst the excitement, working Filipinos often face the reality of the year-end work rush. Packed schedules, last-minute deadlines, and urgent meetings can leave little time to plan a stress-free holiday journey, forcing many to squeeze their travel plans into tight windows of free time.
While planning certainly helps, it’s equally important to be smart with your choices. For those cramming their holiday travel into a hectic schedule, being able to move efficiently on the road is crucial.
To help ease the stress of the holiday rush and ensure a smooth journey home, MPT Mobility, the innovations arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), has put together 8 smart travel tips to guide you this holiday season.
Travel during off-peak hours
If you're finishing work earlier than usual or have a few days to spare before the holiday rush, make the most of it by planning your drive home during off-peak hours. Peak traffic in Metro Manila typically starts between 6 and 7 in the morning as people head to work, and picks up again around 5 in the afternoon, continuing well into 9 in the evening. With this in mind, consider traveling early in the morning or later at night, when roads tend to be less congested.
Similarly, heavy traffic can spill over onto the expressways during the holiday season as people travel to their provinces. For a smoother journey, download MPT DriveHub for real-time traffic updates, helping you adjust your route and avoid unnecessary delays.
Breeze through toll gates with Easytrip RFID
However, if you’re already pressed for time and left with no choice but to cram your holiday travel home, you’ll most definitely be facing heavy traffic on the road. The holiday rush often means high traffic volume, adding even more stress to your journey. To avoid this, schedule your RFID installation online through Easytrip ORRAS. With 100% RFID lanes now available on key expressways, you can pass through toll gates seamlessly, saving valuable travel time and focusing on what truly matters—getting home to your loved ones!
Tap and track with MPT DriveHub
During the holiday rush, every minute matters, and having a smart travel companion like MPT DriveHub can make all the difference. Beyond offering real-time traffic updates, MPT DriveHub also lets you easily check your balance and reload your Easytrip or CCLEX RFID when your balance runs low, helping you avoid any unnecessary delays as you travel home for the holidays. These are just a few of the features you can rely on MPT DriveHub for, ensuring a smoother, more efficient journey and much-needed peace of mind during the busy season.
Explore budget-friendly options
Heading home during the holiday rush can be both stressful and costly if not planned carefully. To avoid stretching your budget thin, don’t be shy to explore other budget-friendly options! Take advantage of loyalty programs that often offer great deals around the year-end, and look out for holiday promos and discounts on meals, tolls, and fuel. These will help keep your travel expenses well within your budget!
Plan the most comfortable drive for everyone
If you’re traveling with your family or with a group of friends, make sure that you streamline your journey by planning the journey around their comfort. For your family, consider exploring other family-friendly accommodations ahead of time. You could also look for options with play areas to keep the kids entertained or book an overnight stay at a hotel to rest and recover after a long day on the road. Be sure to check for available pit stops along your chosen route so you can plan restroom breaks ahead of time, especially if the stops are few and far between.
Additionally, in anticipation of your long drive ahead for the holidays, plan ways to stay entertained and energized during the journey! Download your favorite playlists or bring a fun travel game to keep everyone’s spirits high during long queues or standstills.
Stay powered
In today’s digital world, staying connected is essential, especially during the holidays. To stay powered throughout your drive, bring a reliable power bank to conveniently charge all your devices during your journey. You should also consider purchasing data plans ahead of time, so you can stay online and connected in case anything comes up.
Stay vigilant for unexpected setbacks
The holiday rush can bring its share of road inconveniences, and the unpredictability of traffic can be overwhelming. With a travel companion app like MPT DriveHub, you can ensure you’re never caught off guard on the road!
With MPT DriveHub, you can access 24/7 roadside assistance for common car troubles along expressways. Drivers can find peace of mind knowing that round-the-clock help is accessible, especially when traveling in adverse weather conditions or unfamiliar roads with just a few taps in the app.
Before embarking on your long holiday trip, be sure to double-check that your car registration is up-to-date. With MPT DriveHub, keeping things hassle-free has never been easier. You can now conveniently purchase CTPL insurance directly through the app! This feature is a real lifesaver for last-minute travelers who can't afford to waste time on lengthy registration renewals and still want to make it home in time for the holidays.
Stop at NLEX Drive and Dine for your last-minute holiday needs
The long drive can be equally exhausting if you're heading back to Manila from an out-of-town trip. To make the most of the holiday rush and save time, take a quick pit stop at NLEX Drive and Dine. It's the perfect place to grab a bite, stretch your legs, and even tackle some last-minute shopping without the mall chaos.
With dining options ranging from a quick caffeine fix at Starbucks or Café France to sweet treats at Belgian Waffles or Banapple, or a hearty meal at Rolando’s Beef Buffalo Wings, you'll find something to satisfy every craving. Furthermore, NLEX Drive and Dine offers a variety of retail outlets for your holiday errands, including Nike, Casio, A+ Premium Tech Depot, and Giordano, making it easy to shop on the go.
Even with a packed holiday schedule, getting home for the holidays should be easy. By incorporating MPT Mobility into your travel plans, you can make your journey smoother and more convenient, ensuring you arrive in time to celebrate with family and loved ones. This holiday season, MPT DriveHub, Easytrip, and NLEX Drive and Dine are here to help you reconnect with the people who matter most, so you can cherish those special moments together.
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